Contents

Background

Advancements in technology made by the Soviet Union as part of their covert rebuilding program allowed the Tesla coil to be miniaturized into a perfect man-portable form. While early attempts at such a weapon were made and fielded by the Union before, it wasn't until the invention of a Tesla-powered battle suit that its full potential could be reached. The end result is a sealed, insulated combat uniform with a Tesla coil gauntlet, powered by a miniature back-mounted Tesla generator. Typically worn with an insulated jumpsuit underneath and red overalls on top, it is used by specialists in tank warfare, owing to it being uncrushable by tanks. In a pinch, they can also power up Tesla coils.

Deployment history

Lt. Eva briefed the commander about Tesla troopers during the occupation of Washington D.C., describing its power against tanks and their ability to power up Tesla coils with their extra energy. This ability was later seen during the Allied liberation of the city.

The following is based on the Soviet campaign for Red Alert 2 and some details might contradict canon.

Game unit

“

Ground yourselves!- Tesla trooper under heavy fire

”

Tesla Troopers are best used as static defenses or escort for an armor column, as they are effective against infantry, yet particularly devastating to enemy tanks (which cannot crush them). Tesla troopers can charge up a Tesla Coil for a slow-recharging, but devastating bolt of increased range and power. If three or more Tesla Troopers charge the same Tesla coil at a time, it will become independent of base power supply. It is best to wait until a Cloning Vat can be built because it will produce two Tesla Troopers for the price of one. They can be overwhelmed by G.I.s, though, so they are best to be escorted by Conscripts or Flak troopers. Since the range of their tesla weaponry is barely beyond that of an Attack Dog, and their movement speed one of the slower amongst infantry, long ranged anti-personnel units pose a particular threat to them.

When they reach the elite rank, their Tesla bolts can bounce to two other targets, so an elite tesla trooper has a chance to damage up to three enemy units with one bolt.

Aftermath

After the Psychic Dominator Disaster, the Soviets introduced a new design of their Tesla trooper. It was more powerful and cheaper than the old version, but more vulnerable to tanks as it could be crushed by them. They can also no longer charge Tesla Coils.

After Cherdenko's trip to 1927, the Tesla troopers were modified and were able to charge Tesla Coils and were uncrushable again.